River North Nightclub and Restaurant Closed After Eight People Shot
Chicago police have ordered the immediate closure of Blüm, a nightclub and restaurant located in the River North neighborhood. The closure comes in response to a violent incident which occurred early Sunday morning, where eight people were shot and injured following a physical altercation near the club.
Ald. Brenden Reilly, of the 42nd Ward, sent a letter to constituents calling for the closure of the nightclub. In the letter, Reilly described Blüm as a “bad establishment” that had been the “source of chronic neighborhood complaints.” He expressed frustration that despite his warnings, the city had allowed the nightclub to continue operating, leading to the inevitable occurrence of another shooting incident.
The fight broke out at approximately 2:38 a.m. in the 300 block of West Erie Street near Blüm Restaurant and Nightclub. Shots were fired during the altercation, resulting in eight people being injured. Among the victims, a 43-year-old woman was shot in the abdomen, a 32-year-old man was shot multiple times, and two other men were shot in the head and abdomen, all of whom are in critical condition. Three other victims were listed in good condition, while an eighth victim, a 27-year-old man, was shot multiple times and is in stable condition.
No one is currently in custody, and the police are actively investigating the incident. Surveillance video from nearby captured a person walking in a parking lot with what appeared to be a gun. The suspect is seen pointing the gun towards the street and firing several shots before leaving the frame. Another angle of the footage shows the intersection where the shots were fired, with pedestrians running for cover.
Ald. Reilly’s office has requested the Chicago Police to issue a closure order, and it has been revealed that the property where Blüm is located is expected to be sold next month. It is unclear whether the closure is temporary or permanent.
Blüm’s Instagram account has been deleted, and the establishment has not responded to media outlets’ requests for comment.
The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.